BACKPACK MAINTENANCE

Proper care for long-lasting gear!

Can I wash my backpack in the washing machine?

"No – abrasion wears out the material (PU coating) and will in the long run damage the pack. Also, detergents are often not washed out properly. This could lead to skin irritation for sensitive skin types. A chemical reaction of sweat, detergent and UV rays further damages the material. It is better to place the backpack in a tub or shower filled with water and wash with ph-neutral soap. Dirt and stains can be easily cleaned with a soft brush. Salt stains on the carrying system can be removed by simply washing with soap and plenty of water. Make sure to always store the pack in a dry place!"

2. Never put your backpack into a washing mashcine or dryer; this damages the PU coating.

3. Backpack fabrics can not be ironed.

4. Zippers must be kept clean.

5. To store: close the packs and keep in a dry, well aired place.

Do I have to impregnate the backpack material?

"For the first years, the rucksack material offers great water protection. However, in heavy rain water will seep through the zippers and seams. In alpine regions, for climbing or ski tours you should use waterproof packsacks in the rucksack to keep your gear 100% dry. The advantage is that the attachment straps then remain free for material, such as ice axe, skis, poles or snowshoes. For hiking and trekking backpacks use a rain cover. Also, impregnation won’t last very long on older models.And impregnation (spray and bath impregnation) in the strap’s material can lead to skin irritation."

Place the backpack in a tub or shower filled with water and wash with ph-neutral soap.Dirt and stains can be easily cleaned with a soft brush. Salt stains on the carrying system can be removed by simply washing with soap and plenty of water.Make sure to always store the pack in a dry place!

SLEEPING BAG MAINTENANCE

How do I extend the bag`s lifespan? Take good care

Storage sackFor storage, the fill needs plenty of space to regain and retain its loft. Therefore, store the sleeping bag in a dry place loosely in a large storage sack or pillowcase. Only use the compression sack for transportation.

Stuff it, don’t roll itWhen you roll the sleeping bag, the fill is always ‘abused’ on the same spots. This can damage the construction. Stuffing also allows better packability.

Thorough ventilationAfter each use, ventilate the bag thoroughly – e.g. by spreading it on the tent. Minimise washing since it reduces the insulation quality. Only wash the sleeping bag when really necessary. Try to remove small stains with a sponge and lukewarm soap water.

Maintenance

If you wash it – do it gently:

1. Close all straps and loosen all drawcords.2. Turn the sleeping bag inside out.3. Only use special down or synthetic fibre detergents.4. HAND WASH: soak the bag in plenty of lukewarm water, gently squeeze and then rinse several times – do not twist or wring the bag!MACHINE WASH: Set the machine on the delicate cycle (30°C), rinse several times OR repeat washing program using NO detergent and do not spin! The washing machine should have a capacity of at least 5 kg.Carefully take out the wet, heavy sleeping bag to avoid damage of the fill or down chambers.5. Gently squeeze as much of the water out as possible. Do not wring it out!6. TUMBLE DRYER: Tumble dry (min. 7kg) on low (30°C). Add tennis balls for down and tumble dry until the full loft is regained.DRYING ON A LAUNDRY RACK: Open it up and spread it out, never hang it up! Down will take several days to dry.Gently fluff up the down clots by hand several times a day. Synthetic fibres dry quickly and do not need to be fluffed up.

Down LossWhy is my sleeping bag losing feathers?

A down sleeping bag has to be breathable and therefore air permeable to provide optimal sleeping comfort. Yet this means that fine down feathers may poke through the fabric. But ‘leaking down’ does not mean that the sleeping bag is defect. If a feather makes its way through the shell, work it gently back into the filling by pulling from the opposite side. The holes in the shell fabric will close itself back up.

Do not pull the feather out as you might pull more along with it. This is due to the structure of the sleeping bag’s down fill: the individual feathers are all linked together, so if you pull one out others might follow and also the hole might be enlarged.

So do not become concerned when your sleeping bag leaks feather during the night. It is normal and does not reduce the insulation performance of the sleeping bag.

STREAMER MAINTENANCE

Open the Streamer -(1) Remove the tube from the bladder.(2) Take the bite-valve from the mouthpiece.Turn the valve socket to the middle (3) label (quarter turn),remove and take apart (do not remove the 90° angle piece (4) from the tube.Rinse and clean it with warm water and mild detergent – never use boiling water.

Rinse again thoroughly with clear water.Dry with paper towels and hang it upside down. When fully dried, put the pieces back together. Mind to keep the filled Streamer from direct sun exposure. Thoroughly clean it after use with soft drinks. Use cleaning tablet in case your hydration system is extremely dirty. If necessary put the empty hydration system in the freezer and clean thoroughly after defrosting – an easy, effective way of killing bacteria.

Storage: Make sure you store your open and clean Streamer in a clean and dry place.